Musical Party

Felice Beato

National Gallery of Art

The image shows four women seated on the floor with musical instruments partially visible. Two women on the left are playing instruments. The second from the left holds a string instrument resembling a biwa, and the woman furthest left appears to hold a shamisen. The women have traditional Japanese hairstyles with hairpins. Their faces are adorned with subtle makeup. They are dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos with serene colors. A small table in front of them holds what appears to be tea kettles and cups. The background features a painted screen with depictions of nature, showing foliage and possibly birds.